A BUSINESSMAN who admitted driving at 55mph in a 30mph zone has been fined and banned from driving for 42 days.

Robert Courtney McKenzie-Watkins, 30, admitted driving his Mercedes-Benz along Ulwell Road, Swanage at 55mph when he appeared at Weymouth Magistrates Court.

Police prosecutor Chris Baker said the offence was reported on 18 August 2018 at 1.45pm.

Police locked on to Mckenzie-Watkins' car using a laser speed gun, which revealed he was travelling in excess of the 30mph limit.

Jonathan Morrissey, mitigating, said his client, who was extremely apologetic, had been in a rush to catch the next ferry from Studland to Sandbanks for work.

Mckenzie-Watkins, of Bournemouth Road, Poole, is the director of Marco Windows in Bournemouth.

His company, which manufactures aluminium windows, employs 26 people.

Mr Morrissey said: "He says without the ability to drive, his ability to bring in new work and save existing work will be lost.

“I have no doubt this is the reason he says it won’t happen again and he will slow down in future.”

Chairman of the bench, Debbie Boitoult, said the implications of a six-month driving ban on the company's staff was her main concern.

She concluded:“Taking into account the 30mph speed limit and the time of the day, there will be a disqualification for 42 days. There will also be a fine of £800, costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £80, this comes to a combined total of £965.”